Establishing Paternity in Mesa, AZ

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If an unmarried woman has a child, an order of paternity must be used to formally identify the father. This would legally tie the father to the child, making them responsible for certain levels of care and support. In some cases, a father may wish to have paternity established so that they have the right to see their child, while other cases may involve a mother seeking financial support to help with the costs of raising the child.

Paternity issues and disputes can be overwhelming, especially when trying to navigate the legal system along the way. If you find yourself up against these complex matters, we encourage you to call on Bastian Law Offices, PLC for support and counsel. Our Mesa family attorney has been proudly serving residents for nearly 15 years and is committed to surpassing client expectations in each and every case.

Why Paternity Action Is Necessary

Either parent can start a paternity action prior to or following the birth of a child. It is important for parents to understand that simply because a father’s name is on the birth certificate does not mean that they will automatically be entitled to legal rights and responsibilities. Though the birth certificate is crucial cornerstone of proving paternity, it does not formally provide any legal rights to a father.

Arizona requires one of the parents to file for an order of paternity when a child is born out of wedlock. The court must issue this order so that the child’s father can be formally named. When the order has been signed, it can be legally enforced.

While simply establishing paternity will not grant automatic child custody, support, or visitation, it does give them the legal right to petition for this type of involvement in their child’s life. Paternity can also entitle a child to inheritance, citizenship, and other benefits.